I have so many projects on the go for charity, friends,family and for myself, I love to do a bit of everything each day. It's not just crochet that hurts, knitting and sewing too sends pain right up my arms not to mention house work... it's funny but that last bit doesn't seem to bother me so much :)
I knew I had to address this as the pain was getting worse and even more scary the base of my thumbs feel tingly and numb so I made an appointment with my GP and I was diagnosed with this please read it because it can affect anyone who overdoes it with the hook or needle.
I am honestly trying to be good, though I can't completely stop or I would get withdrawal symptoms haha
If I only to do a little each day and follow my GP's advice I'm hoping that the damage that has been done won't be permanent.
So all project targets will be extended and finished whenever and I am going to try and make just small things so hopefully I will still have something to show all you lovely readers now and then.
Now here is where you can help, suggestions please how can I fill the large hole where crochet has been, almost everything I do with my hands hurt. If anyone else has had this or similar problems please leave a comment and tell me how you coped, that would be helpful to me and to anyone else who is reading this and maybe has the same symptoms.
My plan.
Just do a little bit crochet each day.
Hand exercises see video here
Use inflammatory gel as prescribed (I cant take tablets, they hurt my stomach)
Use a splint to rest my hands whenever I can.
Another month has flown by and it's New moon day and time to display my TUSAL jar again. Please excuse the pictures it's very dark and gloomy here today
Then emptied into here I can see there will have to be some serious squashing down of contents soon, I am going to squash and squash until I can't get another single scrap in there.
You will be able to see then if I have been following the Docs advise by how full my jar is. :)
Hello Linda,
ReplyDeleteThis is scary ...to a crocheter very scary....what would I do with my hands if I couldn't crochet! Gosh! I do feel for you but your health is before everything else so its down to business of getting better. I imagine you are going to have to ration yourself quite a bit. Where you mention just doing small things I would have thought that small quick to make projects rather that small as in tiny makes where dainty complex stitches are called for would be better.In other words no Amigurumi patterns.
Hope you get better very very soon :-)
Amanda xx
Thank you Amanda, yes certainly no Amigurumi, I'm thinking maybe a couple of motifs for my blanket, or for beyond the square challenge, but I find working with cotton aggravates so I'm only using yarn. I have managed a little hat over a couple of days:)
DeleteYou MUST be very strict with yourself Linda, and cut right back on everything, including the amount of time you spend moving the mouse around on the computer. I have had to have both my carpal tunnels operated on over the years, and whilst it works, the recovery takes sooooo long, and I have never regained the strength in my wrists. I have to limit the amount of knitting and crochet I do, although I seem to be able to sew as much as I want. I know just how frustrating it is, but if you can avoid an operation it really is worth it. Be a good girl!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your advise, sorry you have had to go through two operations it must have been awful for you, I will try to behave lol
DeleteOh no - poor you Linda...sorry I have no advice (other than get lost in a book or two!) but will be sending lots of positive thoughts your way....do try and take it easy....(much easier to say than to hear!)Looking forward to hearing better news when you have rested thise fingers and thumbs!
ReplyDeleteAli x
Thank you Ali, yes I'm reading more but even heavy books hurt to hold I am thinking about getting a kindle :)
DeleteOh Linda, I know how you feel...not to long ago I was having trouble with mine...remember. I still have to rest my wrist in between projects or when it starts to hurt...I must make myself stop! At night I have a little wrist brace and it has seemed to help. I did go to the doctor and he sent me to a specialist to out rule carpal tunnel, but I would not let him complete the procedure....he wanted to stick me with a very long needle....not happening, and then he did some sort of shock therapy in my wrist....made me sick, so forget it, I will rest when needed. Good Luck and I hope it starts feeling better for you. I did give mine a good rest for about 2 weeks and it seems to be better now. Take care, Shari.
ReplyDeleteYes Shari I remember when you were having problems too, I wouldn't like the big needle either! I'm pleased yours are ok now but you too be careful my dear friend I know you crochet continuously even through the nite haha we are all the same. xx
DeleteLinda - you really DO have to rest it.......totally! Hope you feel better soon tho'
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Thank you Jean, I know you are right and I will try promise. xxx
DeleteThat's horrible news but listen to the doctor and take it easy as much as possible. Take care!
ReplyDeleteThank you Katie I am trying :)
DeleteI am so sorry you are suffering, Linda! Would it still hurt if you tried hand crocheting (no hook) with fabric or T shirt yarn, perhaps for rugs or placemats. Just a thought. But if that still hurts I way grab a cup of tea and a pile of books or magazines and just relax and let it heal. Sending healing thoughts your way! Feel better :(
ReplyDeleteYes Kara I think it would hurt, I think it will have to be the cuppa and magazines thank you for your good wishes :)
DeleteLinda, sorry to hear about your hand :-( Please take care!!! I understand how hard it is to keep away from the yarn, but health is more important. If you take care, you will be well in no time. In the meantime, you can post on ideas for future projects. Hope you get well soon!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comments Ana I know you are right :)
DeleteHmmmm.. this is like discovering a race horse has gone lame! Ohhhh Linda I am so so sorry darling... I've been thinking of what there might be out there that you could do.. how about card making with paper... or perhaps a trip around a local Hobbycraft or exhibition might help to spark something that might help to pass the time for you... or simply sit and read!!! Sending you health, a smile and a perfect day xxxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Helen, I have been shopping a lot this week trying to take my mind off things, it's an expensive hobby though haha
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